Softball | Softball Tournament | 7/13/2022

PG Softball Elite State Tournament Notes

Perfect Game Staff

Rachel Klipper

Photo: Perfect Game

Forty teams from the Midwest came out to Mid-America Softball complex this past weekend and left everything they had on the field. There is so much talent throughout each class of players, and the competition was extremely stiff. It was a lot of fun to see such dedicated young ladies being so driven to be the best softball players they can be.

Kinlei Boley (2023, Chillicothe, Mo.) of the KC Zephyrs-Craig is uncommitted, but I know that will not be the case for long. She was named MVP of the 18U PG Elite State tournament. Boley was clocking in at 58-60 MPH, throwing a screw, a curve, a changeup, and a rise. She had 2 runs, 3 hits, 3 RBI, and 2 doubles. Boley would thrive in a JUCO environment and have a lot of success that would follow her.

Avery Huffman (2022, Grain Valley, Mo.) of the KC Zephyrs-Craig was named MV-Pitcher in the 18U division of the PG Elite State tournament. She pitched 9 1/3 innings against Team Kansas Lipp. Avery allowed 0 runs, 0 hits and struck out 12 batters. Huffman is a consistent pitcher ranging from 59-60 mph. Her rise, screw, drop, and curve were all working this weekend.

Londyn Bond (2027, Bartlesville, Okla.) is an absolute powerhouse. Named MVP of the 14U division of the PG Elite State Tournament, she is a player that catches your eye right away. She is strong, and overall built like an athlete, as she is 5-foot-8, confident, and it shows in every part of her game. She is a leader on the field and at the plate. She uses her lower half to stay balanced and drive her hips through her swing, keeping her balanced and powerful. She had two home runs this weekend, one being a grand slam. She also had 5 RBI and 2 runs scored. Bond is a D-I prospect.

D’naya Green (2026, Quapaw, Okla.) played her best softball and earned the MV-Pitcher of the 14U division of the PG Elite State Tournament. She was throwing her top speed of 56 MPH. Green pitched 5 2/3 innings against the KC Bombers 14U. She allowed 0 runs, 0 hits and struck out 7. She has strong legs and pushes off the mound well as she is pitching. Green can hit her spots, making her a great pitcher to play behind.

Omara Love (2022, Lee’s Summit, Mo.) is such a fun player to watch. When she comes up to the plate you can see coaches scrambling and adjusting the defense. Love throws right-handed and slaps on the left side of the plate. Omara had 2 RBI, 1 double, 2 runs scored and a stolen base against The KC Rebels- Gold. She has a short swing, effective for slappers, as she throws her hands to the pitch, keeps a level swing, and gets the job done, coupled with straight and consistent footwork. Love is a challenge for the pitching staff every time she is in the lineup.

Maggie Chapin (2022, Shawnee, Kan.) is a coach's dream for a pitcher. She is tall, measuring 5-foot-10. Not only does it serve as intimidation to the batter, but her height gives her a whip on the ball, as she was pitching 60-62 MPH this weekend at the PG Elite State Tournament. What caught my eye was how she would work the count against batters. She starts with getting the first strikes with a curve and screw, then will finish with a drop ball that falls out of the zone or a rise that is irresistible. Chapin pitched 9 2/3 innings against KC Zephyrs-Craig. She allowed 0 runs, hits, and walks and struck out 18. Any D-II or D-I coach would score big time with Chapin on the pitching staff.

-Kai Lane

KC Peppers – Morris went undefeated on the weekend and their stunning and consistent bats played a huge role in their team taking the win of the tournament. In their quarterfinals game they were down two runs with two outs and Lailah Simmons did not disappoint, with a shot to pull in two runs and tie the game up. They went an hour over game time and battled to the very end to get to the championship.

Lailah Simmons (2025, Olathe, Kan.) with KC Peppers – Morris was impressive behind and at the plate. On defense, she was a wall with few getting past her. She was quick to the ball when it was out of the zone. Her quick and accurate arm gave her success in throwing out the opponent when attempting to steal. At the plate she had consistent line drive hits up the middle and was often a player you could count on to keep things going. She played a key role in helping her team get to the championship and win undefeated.

Makenna Winchell (2025, Pleasant Hill, Ill.) with Illinois Ruthless 16U was an excellent center fielder that showed no fear when it came to going all out to the ball for outs. She displayed her accurate and strong arm, throwing a girl out at home from the outfield. She has a naturally pleasing swing as she can go with an outside pitch with no problem.

Addi Niles (2025, Decatur, Ill.) with Central Illinois Lady Force stood out when up to bat as she was aggressive at the middle of ball with line drives to follow. She excelled at using her legs to put power behind her hits.

Right-handed catcher Ava Rodriguez (2026, Pawnee, Ill.) with Central Illinois Lady Force brought her superb swing into the mix with just above a .500 batting average for the tournament. Behind the plate she could frame for strikes to control the count in her team's favor. On throw downs, her arm was accurate each time with the ball consistently placed in the exact spot it should be.

Right-handed pitcher Jessica Hamm (2023, Carbondale, Kan.) with Lawrence Phenix – Bowen was averaging 62 mph this weekend with a solid changeup in the mix at 40 mph. She showed great control in her pitching, especially in her rise ball, that was a key component for striking out hitters. At the plate she consistently hit the middle of the ball and pushed for extra bases when the time showed right.

Krislyn Hadlock (2026, Paola, Kan.) with Miami Express was an impressive left-handed slap hitter. Her footwork stood out as it was exemplary with consistent 5–6-hole hits that would surprise teams as she could handpick her spots each time she was up to bat to ensure she was on base. She kept an upbeat attitude throughout the games that would keep her team in good spirits. In center field she shined with her ability to track hard-to-reach hits from the opponent with communication at all times to her teammates.

The tall 5-foot-9 shortstop Kendall Johnson (2024, Platte City, Mo.) with Diamond Club Dynamite presented a prime swing with constant hits to the gaps in the outfield. At shortstop she has natural athletic ability, and had a great deal of range and was aggressive to swoop the ball anytime the opportunity rose for it to be near her range.

Maia Lorengo (2024, Tremont, Ill.) with Central Illinois lady Force was a standout at the mound as a right-handed pitcher. She could accurately and consistently hit east-to-west corners. Her command of pitches was flawless and showed for it with how she could control a game at the mound. Touched 58 mph and excels with the movement that follows at the correct time.

Campbell Mermis (2025, Olathe, Kan.) with Athletes United hit .643 for the tournament and did not disappoint each time up to bat with hard hits consistently at the left field fence. She pulled power from her legs and put the bat to the middle of the ball each time. She was aggressive on base, taking advantage of any extra bases she could snatch up. Behind the plate she controlled the count as she framed for strikes and had a good read on the ball from her pitcher to ensure each strike came with ease.

Cameron Carlisle (2024, Olathe, Kan.) with Midwest Power 16 impressed at the top of the lineup with wicked quick feet, and was impressive waiting for her pitch and driving the ball. She stood out when she easily showed the ability to watch on a changeup and drive the ball with a solid line drive to follow.

Right-handed pitcher Elsa Carrillo (2024, Lawrence, Kan.) with Midwest Power 16 was the key pitcher in leading her team to the championship. She was present as a pitcher in all the games her team played and some games she pitched the entirety of. She was consistently hitting 62 mph the entire tournament and was outstanding at hitting her spots with the master of movement. She has great potential to be an extraordinary player in her future.

-Rachel Klipper

PERFECTGAME.TV

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